Christian Redistribution Of Wealth

Compared to the Great Depression, Christian income has increased 600% (Adjusted to 2006 dollars). At the same time giving has decreased from 3.3% to 2.5%. It is calculated that if every Christian in the United States at least tithed it would result in an infusion of $164,000,000,000.00 for Christian purposes. That could put a huge dent (If not eliminate) world hunger… fund thousands of missionaries… and still have plenty left over for ministry in the state.

Biblically… how much is a Christian supposed to give financially?

The best gage of our walk with God is how we handle our money. With that in mind, consider what is recorded in Scripture about the ways God approves of how to handle money.

In Malachi 3:7-10 it is written that the way to return to God (Revival & Awakening?) is by bringing all the tithe into the storehouse (Into the work of the Lord. For us it is the local church. Money over and above the tithe are gifts that can be designated. When believers give, God opens the windows of heaven and pours out a blessing that overflows!

In Luke 11:42 it is recorded Jesus affirmed the practice of tithing but added to it the call for justice and love for God.

In Luke 18:18-30 it is recorded Jesus told the rich young man to sell everything he had, give it to the poor, then follow Him.

In Luke 19:1-10 it is recorded that after Zacchaeus’ conversion he gave half of everything he owned to the poor and paid back four times anything he wrongly took from anyone. Jesus’ assessment was that salvation had come to him.

In Luke 21:1-4 it is recorded a widow gave all she had, two copper coins, while others gave out of their abundance. jesus said that the widow gave more than all of them put together because she gave out of her poverty… the others gave out of what they had left over.

In 2 Cor 8:1-15 Paul wrote that the Macedonian believers gave out of their poverty because of their joy in being saved. They begged to be able to give… and gave more than they could afford!

in 2 Cor 9:6-12, 15 Paul wrote that those who give sparingly will receive sparingly and those who give generously will be blessed generously by God.

From the Scripture, how much is a Christian supposed to financially give? 10%? Sell everything and give it to the poor? Half of everything? Or give everything no matter what the financial condition?

Answer… YES.

The point is not how much we have to give… or can get away with giving, the point is giving out of love for God according to how you are led by Him! To say that all a Christian must do is tithe is to limit the blessings God would pour out in relation to their giving! When a person’s heart is right with God, they naturally give.

Tithing is the place where Christian giving under grace begins. It goes up from there!

Aside. Do not think that if you give $10.00 God will give you $100.00. Do not think that if you give whatever amount that you’ll be blessed with a lot of money, a nicer house, car, clothes, etc. The idea that the blessings of God are material and financial is heresy (This is what the Prosperity Gospel proclaims)! The blessing of God is His presnce in life… His joy… His favor… His Son! Do not (!) equate God’s blessings with anything of this world, but rather in knowing Him better and walking with Christ.